Former West Ham United defender Chris Powell has been made an MBE in King Charles III's Birthday Honours list.
54-year-old Powell, who played 42 games in Claret and Blue between September 2004 and July 2005 - helping the Club win promotion to the Premier League - has been honoured for hus services to football.
The south Londoner enjoyed a successful playing career across more than two decades representing the likes of Crystal Palace, Southend United and Charlton Athletic - as well as earning five England caps under Sven-Göran Eriksson between 2001 and 2002.
After retiring from playing with Leicester City in 2010, he has managed Charlton, Huddersfield Town, Derby County and Southend, and is currently a coach at Sheffield Wednesday.
“I am delighted and humbled to receive the honour of an MBE for services to football," said Powell.
“The game I love has given so much to me, but this recognition wouldn’t be possible without the support of so many people, including everyone at Links Primary School, Cranmer Middle School and Raynes Park High School.
“I would also like to thank the staff, players and supporters at the clubs I played for, managed and coached. I am proud to have represented each and every one of them on the pitch and on the touchline. I always thought that representing my country and The FA would be the pinnacle of my career, as both a player and a coach, but this honour is beyond my expectations.
“Additionally, I would like to thank The PFA for all their support, and for having the great honour of being their Chairman. I feel it is also appropriate to give mention to the charities I work with and represent, such as Prostate Cancer UK, Show Racism the Red Card, Kick It Out (Let’s Kick Racism out of Football) and The Football Foundation, all of whom do incredible work, and I’m proud to support.
“I would like to express my gratitude to my friends in the game and outside of football, and a special mention to my children, Morgan and Ché, for all their love and support, as well as my wife, Sophia and my dear mother, Elaine. Without their sacrifice, wisdom and knowledge, I wouldn’t have achieved half of what I have.
“Thank you to everyone in my life, along my footballing journey, this award is for you.”
